Neonatal Ponderal Index Variations across the Outer and Inner Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh

Introduction: Overweight is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern across many countries. Both genetic and environmental influences are acknowledged as key factors contributing to this issue, yet our understanding of it is still lacking. Studies indicate that genetic factors play a substantial role in overweight and body mass index (BMI), which is calculated as weight divided by height squared (BMI=weight/height2). Methods: The present study was undertaken in the state of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 409 newborns were included. The measurements were recorded on the newborn babies with-in 12-24 hours of birth. All the neonates were the outcome of full term normal deliveries, delivered at various civil hospitals of the above mentioned regions. These regions included district Dharamshala, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Solan, Shimla, Rampur, Kullu, Mandi and Reckong-peo. Ethical clearance and permission to conduct study was taken and all the measurements were done under the guidance of pediatrician of the hospital. Results: The normal ponderal index was 2.44 for outer Himalayas and 2.25 for inner Himalayas. In the outer Himalayas, the PI showed a strong positive correlation with weight and a strong negative correlation with height. When the weight increased, the ponderal index increased and when height increased, PI decreased. In the inner Himalayas, the PI showed a strong negative correlation with height and strong positive correlation with weight. When the height increased, the ponderal index decreased and when weight increased, the ponderal index increased. Conclusion: It is clear from our study on newborns in Himachal Pradesh that when height increases the ponderal index decreases and when weight increases the ponderal index increases.